We left it in April between hopes and hypotheses of a future in the Olympic gold quartet. A little less than a week after the conclusion of the world championships of Saint Quentin en Yvelines, we find it again world vice-champion together with the "dream poker" team. Born in 2002, Manlio Moro, completed a season that ranged from road victories with the Zalf Euromobil Désirée Fior, medals on the track and a great desire to do well while thinking about the future. On the horizon he sees the TGV arriving which takes him to Paris 2024 e Marco Villa he is ready to write his name on the card. To support this, he told us, a Pippo Ganna who took him under his wing protector, a symptom that there is potential in this young time trialist and in 2022 he has already shown us something.
Manlio, have you finished your season?
Yes, I stopped right after the World Cup, now I'm enjoying a bit of relaxationI'll take a two or three week break completely, then I'll start again with the gym and cycling.
Let's talk about the World Cup in France that just ended. How would you rate yourself?
I really don't know, I prefer others to judge me. I think I did well, also being my first experience with the big quartet. It's definitely a starting point, now I can only grow.
What was it like being part of the Olympic gold medal quartet?
It wasn't easy, not so much on a physical level but especially on a mental level because joining a quartet with four Olympic champions is not easy. Especially before the qualifying, as it was my debut in a race with them, I was quite tense.. Anyway, they managed to reassure me a lot. They always made me feel at ease from the first moment.It was an unforgettable experience.
Did you immediately feel physically up to it?
There was a noticeable change in my performanceUntil a few months ago, I was part of the under quartet with faster times. It's certainly not easy, but since it was my first time, I think I did well. I feel like I still have a lot of seconds left in my legsNot that this experience was bad, but I can still improve a lot.
Will the track be part of your calendar right away in 2023?
Yes, it will be a parallel calendarWe're already trying to plan next year. I'll definitely participate in the European Under and Elite Championships. Then I hope to participate in the World Championships, and we'll see who's stronger.
Many have already put you on the train to Paris 2024. Do you feel the pressure?
That's my goal. I'm happy and I thank Marco Villa who placed his trust in me. and I think if I work I can do it. Obviously nothing is taken for granted and you will have to earn it that place but I know that if I put in the effort and work I can get to the top.
You also had a great season on the road. What's your assessment?
Positive. I raced most of the beginning of the season on the road, then in the second half with the European and World Championships I focused more on the track. In the first half, however, I can consider myself satisfied because I got my four victories and I'm happyLet's say it was a season aimed at finding balance without overstepping one's bounds.
At the beginning of the year you told us that time trials were also one of your goals…
This year I made two, I won one and I was a little disappointed with the Italian because I wasn't feeling very well. I left tired and weak. In fact, once I got home I found out I had CovidI don't want to take it as an excuse but it certainly didn't help me. I had prepared it very well because I had gone to high altitude with Pippo Ganna, and we trained together. Unfortunately, I only managed to finish fourth. Let's just say I wasn't able to give my best.
Will time trials also have an important place in the 2023 program?
Yes, they will be a goal and will be part of the calendar, even for some personal revenge.
You said you trained with Ganna, are you friends?
Yes, I only have to learn from him. He has always helped me, given me advice and he truly believes in meI'm happy because He supports me and corrects me if he sees something wrong., also because he has such experience that he can say everything. I'm finding it very good. On this he is really a fantastic person.
When did you meet?
Last year, when we started training together on the track in Montichiari. Not long ago, actually, but we hit it off right away. He's always been my idol. I try to learn from him. and having him there giving you advice is an absurd emotion.
Since he's an idol of yours, tell us about his two records...
I have no words. It will definitely go down in historyI was fortunate enough to be present for both record And it was crazy. I was in the stands and I wanted to jump down onto the track. An absurd, thrilling emotion.
Were you also among Pippo's motivators on the morning of the finale of the chase individual?
Yes, in the morning he didn't want to leave. We went to Lombardi and My friends and I went up to try to convince him and luckily he listened to us.
